Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Fred Rogers

March 20th is the late Fred Rogers’ birthday and we’re all supposed to wear a sweater. I will wear a green button-down number in honor of this gentle genius that set the bar for unfettered humanness. And I will be humbled.

This symbol is a warm reminder that a man lived to dedicated his life, through the medium of television, to making children feel safe and loved. His books, written for those same children, now grown, opened the understanding of love to a generation of adults.

But that sweater. Once worn, he was fully present. It was the signal that everything in the world was OK. You knew that his quiet understanding and acceptance was right there in front of you, wrapped in the embodiment of love, zipped to his collar.

His example was always one of Good. No anger, no pretense, and particularly no judgment. You were good because you were you. There was not a standard or an expectation. “It’s you I like, it’s not the clothes you wear, it’s not the way you do your hair…” He taught us unconditional love. Is there such a place that we learn this anymore?

I am unable to wear my sweater, upholding the spirit of this man, without the accompanying behavior. If I put on my sweater the morning of March 20th, than I must do the things, and perform the functions, that follow the example he set; it’s not enough just to look like him. So I am prepared, as all of you should be, to carry out his mission, to further the legacy of this genuine human being.

Today, I will be more accepting. I will see you, through the haze of activity, as important and meaningful. It’s good that you’re here with me.

I will refrain from passing judgment. I will see you as you are, without the question of your motives or your meaning. Today, if we pass by one another, I will see you just as you, another soul sharing the world.

I will listen. When you speak, I will look directly into your eyes, without saying a word. There is no need for dialogue today. You will be heard, and my ears will be opened.

Throughout the day I will speak softly. I will choose what I say carefully and commit to making my speech more deliberate. I will not use volume to make myself heard.

And today, I will smile. No upset will cross my countenance. My focus is on this mission: to honor his symbol of love by being kind, no matter the context or circumstance.

Lastly, I will strive to be myself. I will move through the day without hiding behind a façade. My fear and anxiety will not define me. It is a day to be courageous in who we truly are, honoring the fearless nature of his being.

So, wear your sweater. Remember Fred Rogers. But when you put your arms through those sleeves, and just before you button the last button or zip up that zipper, remember in everything you do today, to be like him. On this day, become Fred Rogers. That is the greatest testament to his legacy.

Notes For The Heart

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Featured

Ed McShane and his book Notes For The Heart were featured on KYXY (96.5 FM Radio) on February 14, 2009 at 9:15 pm. Ed read one of his essays, "Romance". from his book. Since then Ed has become a regular at KYXY.

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Feedback from Ed's speaking engagements:

"Ed brought heartfelt, thought-provoking insights from his personal experience. Adding that to his depth of experience helping people find meaning and new ways of being in life, he brings a presence that you would find uplifting." - Rhoberta Shaler, Phd., Escondido, CA

"It is especially helpful that you encourage others to do simple acts of love that anyone can do like acknowledging others by looking into their eyes and smiling, even giving a hug or a kiss if someone gives you permission to do so. Thank you, Ed, for your encouragement!" - Lee C. Ryan, Rancho Bernardo, CA

About Me

Ed McShane began writing at age 16. His first mentor, Frank McNaughton (A congressional Time Magazine correspondent) told him that if he wanted to be a good writer, to write a daily journal. Ed did just that.
At age 24, Ed sent a letter to KPBS-FM in San Diego about a piece they did on older adults in the community. The letter got to the desk of a producer named Karen Kish, who called Ed to invite him to join a new program were Ed would interview people in his field on radio. Ed took the opportunity.
Eighteen years later, the General Manager for KPBS, Doug Myrland, called Ed to invite him to submit his essays for their website, were he would be featured along with well known journalist in San Diego, Neil Morgan. Ed’s column drew a wide and consistent following drawn toward his humor, sincerity and insights about living.
Early 2008 a Publisher contacted Ed to publish his work. Ed’s first book, Notes For The Heart, was released October 2008. It is a collection of essays that bring Ed’s insightful perspective about life with humor, care, and love.